Professional Pest Service Usage Climbs Significantly
Nearly half of high-income households now use professional services to manage home pests and property health.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Home Cleaning
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The National Pest Management Association recognized eight industry professionals and companies during the PestWorld 2026 conference held in Grapevine. These awards highlight a significant rise in professional service adoption, with nearly half of high-income households now utilizing pest management.
Why it matters
Professional pest management has become increasingly standard for households, with service usage more than doubling since 2004. This trend reflects growing homeowner reliance on expert help for property maintenance and household health.
The National Pest Management Association presented eight awards to industry leaders, including Janet Hurley and Russ Ives. Industry data shows that 47% of homeowners with annual incomes over $75,000 now use pest management services, a sharp increase from the 18% reported in 2004.
The players
National Pest Management Association
A trade organization that represents the professional pest management industry and advocates for consumer health and safety.
Russ Ives
A long-time industry veteran who received the Pinnacle Award for his career-long contributions.
Janet Hurley
A professional recognized with the ACE Professional Award for her contributions to the pest management field.
The details
The industry awards recognized excellence in areas ranging from company culture and technology adoption to sustainability and professional leadership. These honors underscore how the pest control field has evolved from basic reactive extermination toward integrated, technology-driven property management. By hiring licensed professionals, homeowners can access advanced tools and preventative strategies that go beyond store-bought solutions.
Timeline
1978: Russ Ives joined his family business.
2004: 18 percent of homeowners used professional pest services.
October 22, 2026: PestWorld 2026 awards ceremony occurred in Grapevine.
The Home Front
Professional pest management has moved from an infrequent service to a standard component of home maintenance for nearly half of affluent households. This shift signals a broader trend toward outsourcing specialized property care to experts rather than relying on DIY methods.
If you are struggling with recurring pest issues, evaluate whether your current DIY routine is sufficient or if a professional assessment is needed for your property. When hiring, look for companies that prioritize technology and sustainability to ensure modern, effective service standards.
The takeaway
The rapid growth in professional pest service adoption highlights that expert maintenance is increasingly seen as a vital investment for modern homeowners. Consider reviewing your home maintenance budget to determine if professional pest management fits your annual property care plans.
Further reading
For tips on keeping your property maintained and pest-free, explore our Home Cleaning section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Pest Control Technology.
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